This list of famous introverts includes a summary of introverted personality types and traits. Introverts, famous or not, do not have personality disorders! A reader recently asked me about introverted personality types and traits, and I was shocked at the misperceptions people have about introverts.

Here’s a quick way to tell if you’re an introvert or an extrovert:

“If there is an emergency do you tend to stand still and feel somewhat shut down or in slow motion? If you have a standstill reaction to stress more often, then you are probably an introvert,” says psychotherapist and author Marti Olsen Laney, author of The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World. “In a crisis do you tend to move your body immediately and feel like taking action, maybe without pausing to think? Then you are probably an extrovert if you react with movement.”

If you’re an introvert searching for a career suited to your personality and skills, read 200 Best Jobs for Introverts — because introverts and extroverts are happier doing different jobs.

And, here’s a list of famous introverts, plus information about introverted personality types and traits…

Introverted Personality Types and Traits Is introversion a personality disorder?

No, no, no! Introverts are normal. Extroverts are normal. Neither type of personality is a personality disorder. However, I did write an article called When Introverted Personality Traits Become Problematic, because some personality types can veer off in unhealthy directions. Of course, this can happen to extroverts, too.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with introverted personality traits, though introverts are commonly seen as abnormal, nerds, loners, withdrawn, shy, and unfriendly. Introverts can also be seen as lacking social skills.

Introverts:

Enjoy time alone Consider only deep relationships as friends
Feel drained after outside activities, even if they were fun
Are often good listeners
Appear calm and self-contained
Think then speak or act

People with introverted personalities have an inward focus and aren’t usually the “life of the party.” Introverts have a strong sense of self that can make them feel highly self-conscious around other people – making walking into a crowded room a little nerve-wracking. Introverts have a hard time being goofy in front of the camera and telling jokes to more than a couple of people at a time, but they can be extremely witty. They’re less “Larry, Curly, and Moe” and more Woody Allen – but that doesn’t mean introverts’ personality traits are neurotic!

Introverts process their emotions, thoughts, and observations internally. They can be social people, but reveal less about themselves than extroverts do. Introverts are more private, and less public. Introverts need time to think before responding to a situation, and develop their ideas by reflecting privately. Introverts’ personality traits can be passionate, and sometimes aggressive.

Many introverts prefer working at home, in a telecommuting job.

Though different, introverts and extroverts can fall in love and have happy relationship. Read Extroverts and Introverts in Love if you’re an extrovert in love with an introvert, or vice versa!

Is it possible for an introvert to become an extrovert?

I suppose introverts can force themselves to be more extroverted, but why? Not for career success, because introverted people can be just as successful professionally as extroverts – especially if they’re armed with Tips for Networking Successfully for Introverts. Introverts don’t need to become extroverts for relationship success, even if they’re with extroverts.

There’s no reason for introverts to become extroverts. What advantages does an introvert have? (if any)

According to Laney, author of The Introvert Advantage, there are several advantages to being an introvert:

I’m an introvert, and it’s normal to me. Introverts aren’t as common as extroverts (there are more extroverts in the world than introverts), but that doesn’t mean they’re abnormal or have a personality disorder. Famous Introverts — Actresses

Johnny Carson, former Tonight Show host Jane Clayson, host of CBS Morning Show
Matt Lauer, co-host on the Today Show
David Letterman, host of the David Letterman Show
Diane Sawyer, co-host of ABC’s Good Morning America
Barbara Walters, host of 20/20

If you’re wondering if you’re an introvert, take this Test for Introverted Personality Traits.

Source of the “famous introverts” information: The Introvert Advantage.

Replies to This Discussion

Enjoy time alone Consider only deep relationships as friends
Feel drained after outside activities, even if they were fun
Are often good listeners
Appear calm and self-contained
Think then speak or act

Thanks for sharing your story Jonathan. I think that perhaps you were always an Introvert and just didn't realize it. And perhaps were you trying to force yourself to be something you are not; an Extrovert.

I agree when you accept yourself the way you are life is better. Don't try to be something you are not.